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THE CHURCH OF THESSALONICA WAS THE RESULT OF

PAUL'S ANSWER TO THE "MACEDONIAN CALL."

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No. 202 • FOURTH QUARTER, 1945

EPISTLES TO THE THESSALONIANS AND PHILEMON

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Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly

EPISTLES TO THE THESSALONIANS AND PHILEMON

Lesson 1, for October 6, 1945

The Effectiveness of Paul's Ministry in Thessalonica

MEMORY VERSE: "In every place your faith to Godward is spread abroad;

so that we need not to speak anything." 1 Thess. 1:8.

STUDY HELP: "The Acts of the Apostles," pages 221-230. Read as an in-

troduction to the study of the Thessalonian Epistles.

Paul Prays for the Thessalonians

Who were associated with Paul at the time of writing the

First Epistle to the Thessalonians? In whom was the church in

Thessalonica said to be established? What salutation is given them?

1 Thess. 1:1.

NoTE.—"Grace, . . . and peace" toward man express the attitude of God

and of Christ toward sinful man. In the announcement of the birth of

Jesus, this was revealed in the angel song: "On earth peace, good will toward

men." God is not angry with the sinner. Sin alone has provoked His wrath,

which will finally fall "upon the head of the wicked." Jer. 30:23, 24.

"The arrival of Silas and Timothy from Macedonia, during Paul's sojourn

in Corinth, had greatly cheered the apostle. They brought him 'good tidings'

of the 'faith and charity' of those who had accepted the truth during the first

visit of the gospel messengers to Thessalonica. Paul's heart went out in tender

sympathy toward these believers, who, in the midst of trial and adversity,

had remained true to God. He longed to visit them in person, but as this

was not then possible, he wrote to them."—The

Acts of the Apostles,

page 255.

What assurance is given of Paul's interest in the welfare of

the church at Thessalonica? 1 Thess. 1:2.

What did the writer remember without ceasing? Verse 3.

NorE.—The following comment on verse 3, is taken from Adam Clarke's

Commentary;

"They had

faith,

not speculative and indolent, but true, sound,

and operative; their faith worked. They had

love, . . .

such a love as labored

with faith to fulfill the whole will of God. Faith worked; but love, because

it can do more, did more, and therefore labored—worked energetically, to

promote the glory of God and the salvation of men. They had

hope; . . .

such a hope as produced a satisfying expectation of a future life and state of

blessedness, the reality of which faith had descried, and love anticipated; a

hope, not hasty and impatient to get out of the trials of life and possess the

heavenly inheritance, but one that was as willing to endure hardships as to

enjoy glory itself, when God might be most honored by this patient endur-

ance.

Faith

worked,

love

labored, and

hope

endured patiently."

[

What did they know with certainty? 1 Thess. 1:4.

NozE.—"No irrespective, unconditional, eternal, and personal election to

everlasting glory, is meant by the apostle. As God had chosen the Jews, whom,

because of their obstinate unbelief, He had now rejected; so He had now

chosen or elected the Gentiles. And in neither case was there anything ab-

solute; all was most specifically conditional, as far as their final salvation

was concerned; without any merit on their side, they were chosen and called

to those blessings which, if rightly used, would lead them to eternal glory."—

Adam Clarke,

Commentary,

Note on 1 Thess.

1:4.

The Gospel as Preached by Paul

In what had the gospel come to them? Verse 5, first part.

What made power and assurance possible in the apostles?

Verse 5, last part.

Of whom did the Thessalonians become followers? Verse 6,

first part. See 1 Cor. 11:1.

NOTE.—"Ye

became followers of us, and of the Lord." In some instances

the work of an evangelist lives only so long as he is present to give inspiration

to the new believer. The convert has followed the evangelist, but failed to

follow him "in the Lord." In the Corinthian letter, Paul makes clear exactly

how far the convert can follow the human representative of his Lord. "Be

ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.' The moment human leader-

ship departs from the plain teaching of the word, it is unsafe leadership. It

is for this reason also that every disciple should exercise the greatest care in

his daily living lest the weak, because of his failure in the line of duty, be

turned from the divine Example and from the way of righteousness. Read

2 Cor. 4:1, 2.

Under what conditions had the word come to them? 1 Thess.

1:6, last part.

Examples to All the Believers

To whom was the church in Thessalonica an example?

Verse 7.

10.

What particularly distinguished their Christian life and ex-

ample? Verse 8.

NOTE.—"The Thessalonian believers were true missionaries. Their hearts

burned with zeal for their Saviour, who had delivered them from fear of

`the wrath to come.' Through the grace of Christ, a marvelous transformation

had taken place in their lives; and the word of the Lord, as spoken through

them, was accompanied with power. Hearts were won by the truths presented,

and souls were added to the number of

believers."—The Acts of the Apostles,

page 256.

11.

What did the earnest service of the Thessalonian church

show? Verse 9, first part.

12.

To whom had they turned with all their hearts? Verse 9,

last part.

[a]

Waiting in Expectation

13.

For whom were they expectantly waiting? 1 Thess. 1:10,

first part.

NorE.—"As with holy boldness Paul proclaimed the gospel in the synagogue

at Thessalonica, a flood of light was thrown upon the true meaning of the

rites and ceremonies connected with the tabernacle service. He carried the

minds of his hearers beyond the earthly service and the ministry of Christ in

the heavenly sanctuary, to the time when, having completed His mediatorial

work, Christ would come again in power and great glory, and establish His

kingdom on the earth. Paul was a believer in the second coming of Christ;

so clearly and forcibly did he present the truths concerning this event, that

upon the minds of many who heard, there was made an impression which

never wore

away."—The Acts of the Apostles,

pages 228, 229.

14.

From what has Christ delivered His people? Verse 10, last

part.

NoTE.—In his epistles to the churches which he had established during

his ministry, Paul constantly holds before them the grace and power of their

Saviour, Jesus Christ. Here again he reminds the Thessalonians that they

had been led from idolatry and degradation to the worship of the true and

living God; that they had received the gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit

and were now living happily in the assurance of sins forgiven and in anticipa-

tion of that eternal glory which had been promised to them through the

death and resurrection of Christ. With joy they were looking forward to life

with the Lord who had bought them. Their lives testified to the salvation

they had found in Jesus.

Lesson 2,

for October

13, 1945

Examples of Kindly Ministry

MEMORY VERSE: "That ye would walk worthy of God, who bath called you

unto His kingdom and glory." 1 Thess. 2:12.

STUDY HELP: "Gospel Workers," pages 58-62.

Paul's Company Comes to Thessalonica

What did the Thessalonian brethren know concerning the

coming of Paul and his company into their community? 1 Thess. 2:1.

Where had they been shamefully treated previous to their

arrival in Thessalonica? Verse 2, first part; Acts 16:22-40.

Nora.—"Stirred by a frenzy of excitement, the multitude rose against the

disciples. A mob spirit prevailed, and was sanctioned by the authorities, who

tore the outer garments from the apostles, and commanded that they should

be scourged. .. . The apostles suffered extreme torture because of the painful

position in which they were left, but they did not murmur. Instead, in the

utter darkness and desolation of the dungeon, they encouraged each other by

words of prayer, and sang praises to God because they were found worthy to

suffer shame for His sake."—The

Acts of the Apostles,

pages 213, 214.

]

On arrival in Thessalonica, what did they immediately do?

1 Thess. 2:2, last part; Acts 17:1-10.

NorE.—The word here translated, "contention" is from the same root as

our English word "agony," and here conveys the thought that the apostle

and his company were in constant peril of their lives as they made known

to the Thessalonians the gospel of God.

The Quality of Their Message

What does Paul declare was not the nature of their message?

1 Thess. 2:3. Compare Acts 20:29, 30.

NorE.—The apostle here affirms that they came to the Thessalonians under

no false pretense to allure them to a new way; their teaching had nothing

in it that could appeal to the earthly or sensual, as did the heathen religions

in which they had been reared; nor had they any sinister motives in the

background. Their exhortation had but one object: to turn men from evil

to good, from misery to happiness, and from the service of Satan to the

service of God.

According to what commission did they speak? Whom did

they seek to please? Why? 1 Thess. 2:4.

What instruction concerning faithfulness in proclaiming the

gospel did Paul give in his letter to Timothy? 2 Tim. 4:1-4.

Nora.—"Ministers of God, with hearts aglow with love for Christ and

your fellow men, seek to arouse those who are dead in trespasses and sins.

Let your earnest entreaties and warnings pierce their consciences. Let your

fervent prayers melt their hearts, and lead them in penitence to the Saviour.

You are ambassadors for Christ, to proclaim His message of salvation. Re-

member that a lack of consecration and wisdom in you may turn the balance

for a soul, and send it to eternal death. You cannot afford to be careless

and indifferent. You need power, and this power God is willing to give you

without stint. He asks only a humble contrite heart, that is willing to believe

and receive His promises. You have only to use the means that God has

placed within your reach, and you will obtain the blessing."—Gospel

Workers,

page 35.

In their ministry, what wrong methods had they not used?

Who witnessed to the correctness of their behavior? 1 Thess. 2:5.

What had they refrained from seeking? Verse 6. See margin.

NorE.—"As we preached not for worldly gain, so we preached not for

popular applause; we had what we sought for—the approbation of God, and

the testimony of a good conscience."—Adam Clarke,

Commentary.

First of All, Gentle

With what does the apostle illustrate the spirit of their min-

istry? Verse 7.

10.

What instruction concerning the attitude of the minister

did Paul later give to Timothy? 2 Tim. 2:24, 25.

[ 6

]

NoTE.—"Courtesy is one of the graces of the Spirit. To deal with human

minds is the greatest work ever given to man ; and he who would find access to

hearts must heed the injunction, 'Be pitiful, be courteous.' Love will do that

which argument will fail to accomplish. But a moment's petulance, a single

gruff answer, a lack of Christian politeness and courtesy in some small matter,

may result in the loss of both friends and influence."—Gospel

Workers,

page 121.

11.

How fully were Paul and his company willing to devote

themselves to giving the gospel to the Thessalonians? 1 Thess. 2:8.

NoTE.—The words used here by the apostle are expressive of the strongest

affection and attachment. In giving the truths of the gospel of Jesus to them,

he was giving of his own heart. By laboring with his own hands to support

himself and his fellow workers, he was demonstrating that no selfish purpose or

thought controlled even his slightest action.

12.

What was the measure of their labors? What had they done

to avoid being a burden? Verse 9; Acts 20:34.

13.

How did they conduct themselves among those who believed?

1 Thess. 2:10.

NoTE.—"What a consciousness of his own integrity must St. Paul have

had to use the expressions that are here No hypocrite, and none who did

the work of the Lord carelessly, could Make such an appeal both to God

and man."—Adam Clarke,

Commentary.

14.

How had they dealt with the Thessalonian believers?

Verse 11.

NOTE—In a previous statement (verse 7) Paul speaks of his relationship

to the church in Thessalonica as that of a nurse. We were "gentle among you."

Here, "as a father doth his children," he exhorts and comforts and charges

them. Such is the burden of responsibility which God places upon those whom

He has called to lead His people. With the tenderness and love of a nurse caring

for her own children, there is combined in the ministry of God's servants

the necessity for exhortation to faith and obedience; for strength to comfort

and encourage in the hour of trial and suffering; for admonition and witness

against wrongdoing in the life of the church and the individual. As a father,

Paul sought thus to measure up to his full responsibility as a minister of Christ.

15.

What was the end sought in all Paul's labors for the Thessa-

lonians? Verse 12.

Lesson

3, for October 20, 1945

Paul's Crown of Rejoicing

MEMORY VERSE: "What is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are

not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus

Christ at

His corning?" 1 Thess. 2:19.

STUDY HELP: "Gospel Workers,"

pages

512-519.

Cause for Gratitude

1. In what state of continuous thankfulness did Paul say he was?

1 Thess. 2:13, first part.

[

What was a cause of Paul's continuous gratitude? What

does the word of God do in those who receive it gladly? 1 Thess.

2:13, last part.

NoTE.—"The whole Bible is a manifestation of Christ, and the Saviour

desired to fix the faith of His followers on the word. When His visible pres-

ence should be withdrawn, the word must be their source of power. Like

their Master, they were to live 'by every word that proceedeth out of the

mouth of God.' As our physical life is sustained by food, so our spiritual

life is sustained by the word of God. And every soul is to receive life from

God's word for himself. As we must eat for ourselves in order to receive

nourishment, so we must receive the word for ourselves. We are not to

obtain it merely through the medium of another's mind. We should carefully

study the Bible, asking God for the aid of the Holy Spirit, that we may under-

stand His word."—The

Desire of Ages,

page 390.

What change in the life is effected by the word of God?

1 Peter 1:23; Heb. 4:12.

NorE.—"The word of God is the seed. Every seed has in itself a germinat-

ing principle. In it the life of the plant is enfolded. So there is life in God's

word. Christ says, 'The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they

are life.' He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath

everlasting life' In every command and in every promise of the word of God

is the power, the very life of God, by which the command may be fulfilled and

the promise realized. He who by faith receives the word is receiving the very

life and character of

God."—Christ's Object Lessons,

page 38.

Conflict With Unbelieving Jews

Of whom had the Thessalonian brethren become followers?

1 Thess. 2:14, first part.

What had they in common with the churches in Judea? Verse

14, last part.

NorE.—From Adam Clarke's

Commentary,

we give this comment on the

latter part of verse 14: "It is worthy of remark that, in almost every case,

the Jews were the leaders of all persecutions against the apostles and the

infant church. And what they could not do themselves, they instigated others

to do; and, by gathering together lewd fellows of the baser sort from among

the Gentiles, they made frequent uproars, and especially at Thessalonica,

where the opposition to the gospel was very high, and the persecution of the

Christians very hot."

What had the Jews done against God and against Paul?

Whom were they displeasing? With how many were they in con-

flict? Verse 15.

Nori.—The guilt that the Jews incurred by putting to death the Son of

God, saying, "His blood be on us," needs more than a passing thought. This

crime heads the list of all the sins charged against them.

What had the Jews forbidden the disciples to do? With what

result to themselves? Verse 16.

[ 8

How does Paul express his great desire to visit the Thessa-

lonian brethren personally? 1 Thess. 2:17.

The Apostle's Hope and Joy

Why had he been unable to do this? Verse 18.

NoTE.—Paul had already sent Timothy and Silas to Thessalonica, but he

earnestly desired to go in person. There was, however, such a storm of perse-

cution raised up against him that his friends did not think it expedient or

prudent for him to go, lest he endanger his life.

10.

What question does the apostle now ask? Verse 19, first part.

11.

How does he answer his own question? Verse 19, last part.

NorE.—In this verse, Paul both asks and answers a question that often

arises in the minds of earnest, persevering servants of the Lord. To both min-

istry and laity, the service of Christ frequently brings disappointments in

that some who enter upon the way, depart therefrom, and thus impose heart-

aches and deep sorrow upon those who have won them to Christ. But there

are many others, as the church at Thessalonica, who are loyal, steadfast

followers of the Master. These are the hope and the joy of the faithful worker

for Christ. The apostle asks the question to emphasize his answer. He adds

"in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming" to emphasize that

his greatest joy will come when he sees them triumphant and victorious at

Christ's appearing and kingdom.

12.

In what similar words does the apostle John speak of his af-

fection for his spiritual children? 3 John 3, 4.

13.

How does Paul again state the relation of the believers to

him? 1 Thess. 2:20.

NorE.—"Every impulse of the Holy Spirit leading men to goodness and

to God, is noted in the books of heaven, and in the day of God everyone who

has given himself as an instrument for the Holy Spirit's working, will be per-

mitted to behold what his life has wrought."—Gospel

Workers,

pages 517, 518.

14.

What promise of like joy is given to every wholehearted

worker for Christ? Ps. 126:5, 6.

Lesson 4, for October 27, 1945

To Strengthen and to Comfort

MEMORY VERSE: "Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all

our affliction and distress by your faith: for now we live, if ye stand fast

in the

Lord." 1 Thess. 3:7, 8.

STUDY HELP: "The Acts of the Apostles," pages 255-257;

77.

Paul Sends Timothy to Thessalonica

Though hindered from visiting Thessalonica, what unselfish

decision did Paul make? 1 Thess. 3:1.

[

Whom did he send to them? What does he call him? 1 Thess.

3:2,

first part.

For what purpose had Timothy been sent to them? Verse 2,

last part.

Nom—The preferred reading for "to comfort," is "to exhort," "to en-

courage." The apostle's intent was for Timothy to bring to the church mem-

bers in Thessalonica a fuller knowledge of the gospel than was possible for

Paul and his company to give them in the short period of their first visit,

when, because of persecution, they had been compelled to leave Thessalonica

hastily. Thus he sought to instruct them and strengthen them for the con-

flict which he knew the bitter enemies of the faith would continue to bring

upon them.

Christians in Tribulation

In writing to Timothy, what general statement does Paul

make concerning tribulation? 2 Tim. 3:12.

NOTE.—"Persecution in its varied forms is the development of a principle

which will exist as long'as Satan exists and Christianity has vital power. No

man can serve God without enlisting against himself the opposition of the

hosts of darkness. Evil angels will assail him, alarmed that his influence is

taking

the

grey from their hands. Evil men, rebuked by his example, will

unite with them in seeking to separate him from God by alluring temptations.

When these do not succeed, then a compelling power is employed to force

the conscience."—The

Great Controversy,

page 610.

In face of affliction, how should every man stand? Why?

1 Thess. 3:3.

What had Paul previously told the Thessalonian brethren?

Verse 4.

How did he restate his purpose in sending Timothy to them?

Verse 5.

Paul Reassured

What report did Timothy bring to Paul? What desire does

he again express? Verse 6.

How did this report affect the apostle? How did he express

the intensity of his desire for them? Verses 7, 8.

NorE.—His own tribulations sink into insignificance as he hears through

Timothy of the persevering faith of his beloved children. He exclaims:

"Now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord." Their steadfastness had given

him new life. He felt that he had labored to some real purpose and had not

labored in vain.

Rejoicing in God

10.

What question does he ask? For what was he diligently

praying? Verses 9

;

10.

11.

Upon whom does he rely for the fulfillment of his desire?

Verse 11.

[ 10]

NOTE.

—

Paul

here expresses a thought that should dominate every plan

and purpose of the servant of God. With great longing he desired to be able

to meet again with the church at Thessalonica. Yet he exclaims: "God Him-

self and our Father, . . . direct our way unto you." He dared not make the

decision merely by consulting his own inclinations, although he prayed and

hoped that it might be God's will to so arrange. As a matter of history, it

was some five or six years later that Paul revisited Thessalonica. He was

God's servant, under God's orders, subject wholly to His direction, as should

be every servant of Jesus.

The End for Which We Strive

12.

What desire did Paul express on behalf of his Thessalonian

brethren? 1 Thess. 3:12.

13.

What was the object of the abounding love he desired in their

behalf? Verse 13, first part.

NOTE.

—

"Unblamable

in holiness." Paul's wish for the believers to increase

and abound in love toward each other and toward all mankind had an ob-

jective—the establishment of their hearts "unblamable in holiness" before

God the Father. Only as the love of God permeates and controls the life

can holiness be. developed. He who has the love of God in his heart becomes

a partaker of the divine nature.

14.

Before whom and when will this condition of holiness be

established? Verse 13, last part.

NoTE.—If God's love is an abiding presence in the life, it will be known

to all about us by our holy life and conversation. The day will come when

we must appear before the "Judge of all the earth." Will that which appears

to be unblamable and holy to our fellow men stand the searching scrutiny of

God? This is a question every Christian should frequently ask himself.

Lesson 5,

for November

3, 1945

Growing Up Into Christ

MEMORY VERSE: "This is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye

should abstain from fornication." 1 Thess. 4:3.

STUDY

HELP:

"Growing Up Into Christ," chapter

"Steps to Christ."

Steady Growth Required

What specific exhortation does the apostle give to the Thessa-

lonian church? 1 Thess. 4:1.

NOTE.

—

"As

your soul yearns after God, you will find more and still more

of the unsearchable riches of His grace. As you contemplate these riches,

you will come into possession of them, and will reveal the merits of the Sav-

iour's sacrifice, the protection of His righteousness, the fullness of His wisdom,

and His power to present you before the Father 'without spot, and blame-

less.'

"—The Acts of the Apostles,

page 567.

To what former experience does Paul appeal? 1 Thess. 4:2.

God's Will—Our Sanctification

What is God's will for His children? Verse 3, first part.

NorE.—"True sanctification is an entire conformity to the will of God."—

Mrs. E. G. White,

The Sanctified Life,

page 8.

"As in nature, so in grace; there can be no life without growth. The plant

must either grow or die. As its growth is silent and imperceptible, but con-

tinuous, so is the development of the Christian life. At every stage of devel-

opment our life may be perfect; yet if God's purpose for us is fulfilled, there

will be continual advancement. Sanctification is the work of a lifetime."—

Christ's Object Lessons,

page 65.

What is specifically mentioned as being included in the will

of God? Verses 3-5.

NoTE.—In the days of Paul the heathen world was without moral stand-

ards such as are taught in the word of God. The early churches were to some

extent influenced by their surroundings the same as today the spirit of un-

belief, love of pleasure, and certain loose standards of morality have invaded,

in some cases, the lives of the professed children of God. Paul was writing

definite warnings to the Thessalonian brethren that these conditions must

not obtain in the churches of Christ. Read

The Acts of the Apostles,

pages

299, 300.

What must be the relation of brother to brother? Who would

avenge the wronged? Verse

Walking Honestly

Unto what has God not called us? To what has He called

His children? Verse 7.

What does the apostle say of those who reject this instruction?

What has God done for His true servants? Verse 8.

NorE.—He who fails to accept the robe of Christ's righteousness, places

himself on dangerous ground. In

Christ's Object Lessons,

pages 318, 319

(new edition, pages 324, 325), we read: "Sad will

the retrospect in that

day when men stand face to face with eternity. The whole life will present

itself just as it has been. The world's pleasures, riches, and honors will not

then seem so important. Men will then see that the righteousness they de-

spised is alone of value. They will see that they have fashioned their char-

acters under the deceptive allurements of Satan. The garments they have

chosen are the badge of their allegiance to the first great apostate. Then they

will see the results of their choice. They will have a knowledge of what

it means to transgress the commandments of God."

Of what had the Thessalonians no need that Paul write to

them? What had God taught them? Verse 9.

[ 12 1

What proof had they given of their love? For what did Paul

plead? 1 Thess. 4:10.

10.

What three things were they to study? Verse 11.

NoTE.—"Though in general the church at Thessalonica was pure and ex-

emplary, yet there seem to have been some idle, tattling people among them,

who disturbed the peace of others; persons who, under the pretense of religion,

gadded about from house to house; did not work, but were burdensome to

others; and were continually meddling with other people's business, making

parties, and procuring their bread by religious gossiping. To these the apostle

gives those directions which the whole church of God should enforce wherever

such troublesome and dangerous •people are found; viz.: That they should

study to be quiet, to hold their peace, as their religious cant will never pro-

mote true religion; that they should do their own business, and let that of

others alone; and that they should work with their own hands, and not be a

burden to the church of God, or to those well-meaning but weak and incon-

siderate people who entertain them, being imposed on by their apparent

sanctity and glozing conversation. An idle person, though able to discourse

like an angel, or pray like an apostle, cannot be a Christian; all such are

hypocrites and deceivers; the true members of the church of Christ walk, work,

and labor."—Adam Clarke,

Commentary.

11.

In living such a life of quiet service, what would be their

relation to those without? Verse 12.

NoTE.—The Syriac translation of "that ye may have lack of nothing"

reads as follows: "That ye be dependent upon no man."

"That ye may be able to get your bread by honest labor, which God will

ever bless; and be chargeable to no man. He that is dependent on another is

necessarily in bondage; and he who is able to get his own bread by the sweat

of his brow, should not be under obligation even to a king."—Adam Clarke,

Commentary.

Lesson 6, for November 10, 1945

The Blessed Hope

MEMORY VERSE: "If we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so

them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him." 1 These. 4:14.

STUDY HELP: "The Acts of the Apostles," pages 257-259.

Thy Dead Shall Live

1. Of what did the apostle Paul desire that the Thessalonians

should not be in ignorance? 1 Thess. 4:13, first part.

NoTE.—"The Thessalonians had eagerly grasped the idea that Christ was

coming to change the faithful who were alive, and to take them to Himself.

They had carefully guarded the lives of their friends, lest they should die,

and lose the blessing which they looked forward to receiving at the coming

of their Lord. But one after another their loved ones had been taken from

them; and with anguish the Thessalonians had looked for the last time upon

[ 18 j

the faces of their dead, hardly daring to hope to meet them in a future

life."—

The Acts of the Apostles,

page 258.

What does he indicate is the condition of those who are igno-

rant of God's plans for His children who sleep in death? 1 Thess.

4:13, last part.

NoTE.—How different is the attitude of those who have faith in God as

contrasted with those who have no hope! The former see their loved ones

laid away in the full knowledge that they will meet again in the home of the

redeemed, while with those who have no hope, death is a final parting, and

there is nothing to which they may hopefully look forward. The child of

hope, in full acceptance of God's promises, looks forward to companionship

with the resurrected righteous through the eternal years. To those who sleep,

the next moment will be the awaking to the promise of endless life and

companionship with God and Christ and the multitude of the saved.

In Isaiah's day, what promise was made concerning the dead?

Isa. 26:19.

NorE.—Isaiah's prophecy had a partial fulfillment in the resurrection

which took place when Christ died on the cross of Calvary. Matt. 27:51-53.

"Those who were called from their graves went into the city, and appeared

unto many in their resurrected forms, and testified that Jesus had indeed

risen from the dead, and that they had risen with Him. The voice that cried,

`It is finished,' was heard among the dead. It pierced the walls of sepulchers,

and summoned the sleepers to arise. Thus shall it be when God's voice shall

heard shaking the heavens and earth."—Mrs. E. G. White,

Spirit of Proph-

ecy,

vol. 3,

223.

How was this same hope and confidence expressed by Job?

Job 14:14, 15.

On what does the apostle base his hope of the resurrection

of the dead? 1 Thess. 4:14, first part.

What conclusion does he draw from his faith in Christ's

death and resurrection? Verse 14, last part.

NorE.—"The Bible clearly teaches that the dead do not go immediately

to heaven. They are represented as sleeping until the resurrection. In the

very day when the silver cord is loosed and the golden bowl broken, man's

thoughts perish. They that go down to the grave are in silence. They know

no more of anything that is done under the sun. Blessed rest for the weary

righteous! Time, be it long or short, is but a moment to them. They sleep ;

they are awakened by the trump of God to a glorious immortality. . . . As

they are called forth from their deep slumber, they begin to think just where

they ceased. The last sensation was the pang of death, the last thought that

they were falling beneath the power of the grave. When they arise from the

tomb, their first glad thought will be echoed in the triumphal shout, '0 death,

where is thy sting? 0 grave, where is thy victory ?'

"—The Great Controversy,

page 550.

The Lord Himself Will Come

By whose instruction was Paul speaking? Verse 15, first part.

[ 14

]

What statement does he make concerning our relation in that

day to those who are raised from the dead? 1 Thess. 4:15, last part.

NOTE.—The word "prevent" in the text has the meaning of preceding, or

going before. See Strong's

Concordance,

Greek Dictionary Section, page 75.

"Paul showed that those living when Christ should come would not go to

meet their Lord in advance of those who had fallen asleep in Jesus. The voice

of the Archangel and the trump of God would reach the sleeping ones, and

the dead in Christ should rise first, before the touch of immortality should

be given to the living."—The

Acts of the Apostles,

page 258.

What is asserted as to the Lord's part in the raising of the

dead? Who would be first to rise? Verse 16.

10.

In what beautiful words did the apostle speak to the Corin-

thian church concerning this same hope? 1 Cor. 15:15-22, 51, 52.

11.

What follows immediately after the resurrection of the

righteous dead? 1 Thess. 4:17, first part.

12.

For how long will the resurrected and the living remain with

their Lord? Verse 17, last clause; Rev. 21:3.

Exhortation and Comfort

13.

With what exhortation does the apostle close this chapter?

1 Thess. 4:18.

NOTE.—Each chapter of the first Thessalonian epistle thus far has closed

with a direct reference to the hope of Christ's second appearing. It appears

in the dosing verses of chapter one, in the 19th and 20th verses of chapter two,

and in verse 13 of chapter three. The fourth chapter devotes six full verses to

the subject of the resurrection as connected with the second coming and the

gathering of the saints.

14.

In Paul's letter to Titus, how does he refer to the second

coming of Jesus? Titus 2:13.

Lesson 7,

for November 17, 1945

Peace and Safety; Faithfulness

MEMORY VERSE: "Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us

watch and be sober." 1 Then. 5:6.

STUDY HELP: "The Desire of Ages," chapter 69, or pages 627-636.

A Harbinger of Destruction

Of what had Paul no need to write unto the Thessalonians?

1 Thess. 5:1.

What did they know perfectly concerning the coming of the

Lord? Verse 2; Rom. 13:11, 12.

[ 15

What would many be saying in that day? With what result

to themselves? 1 Thess. 5:3.

NOTE.—"The judgments of God are soon to be poured out upon the earth.

`Escape for thy life,' is the warning from the angels of

God. Other voices are

heard saying, 'Do not become excited; there is no cause for special

alarm.' Those who are at ease in Zion cry peace and safety, while heaven

declares that swift destruction is about to come upon the transgressor. The

young, the frivolous, the pleasure loving, consider these warnings as idle

tales, and turn from them with a jest. Parents are inclined to think their

children about right in the matter, and all sleep on at ease. Thus it was at

the destruction of the old world, and when Sodom and Gomorrah were con-

sumed by fire. On the night prior to their destruction, the cities of the plain

rioted in pleasure. Lot was derided for his fears and warnings. But it was

these scoffers that perished in the flames. That very night the door of mercy

was forever closed to the wicked, careless inhabitants of Sodom."—Testi-

monies,

vol. 5, pp. 233, 234.

Read

Christ's Object Lessons,

pages 411-413 (new edition, pages 419-422),

for further comment on this subject.

How does the apostle again emphasize the awareness of the

children of the kingdom? Verse 4.

What are they said to be? To what do they not belong?

Verse 5.



•

NoTE.—The children of God do not know either the day or the hour of

Christ's return. But He has not left us in darkness as to "the times and the

seasons." He has made clear by unmistakable signs when His coming will

be near,

"even at the doors." Those who keep close to God and to His

revealed word will be "children of light, and the children of the day."

"We have reached the period foretold in

these

scriptures. The time of

the end is come, the visions of the prophets are unsealed, and their solemn

warnings point us to our Lord's coming in glory as near at

hand."—The De-

sire of Ages,

page 234.

Admonitions to Watchfulness

In what important respect is the church to

different from

the world? Verse 6.

What is the common practice of the indifferent and the care-

less? Verse 7.

What preparation will the church be making? Verse 8. See

Eph. 5:13-16.

NOTE.—"What the breastplate and helmet are to the soldier's heart and

head, such are faith, love, and hope to us. Faith enables us to endure, as

seeing Him who is invisible; love excites us to diligence and activity, and

makes us bear our troubles and difficulties pleasantly; hope helps us to antici-

pate the great end, the glory that shall be revealed, and which we know we

shall in due time obtain, if we faint not."—Adam Clarke,

Commentary,

note

on 1 Thess. 5:8.

[ 16 ]

To what has God appointed His children? 1 Thess. 5:9.

10.

What has Christ done, that life with Him might be possible

to all? Verse 10.

NorE.—The apostle seeks to bring home to the church the truth that

wherever the Christian is, he is safe with Christ, and that the hour is ap-

proaching when he will live together with his Lord. Even now, amid earth's

turmoil, strife, and suffering, it is possible for the follower of Christ to

have peace in the heart. Ahead is the better land where God and Christ

shall dwell forever with the redeemed.

11.

Because of this hope, what were all to do? Verse 11.

Esteem for Leadership

12.

How was the church admonished to regard its leaders?

Verse 12.

NoTE.—"The Thessalonian believers were greatly annoyed by men coming

among them with fanatical ideas and doctrines. Some were 'disorderly, work-

ing not at all, but .. . busybodies

✓

The church had been properly organized,

and officers had been appointed to act as ministers and deacons. But there

were some, self-willed and impetuous, who refused to be subordinate to those

who held positions of authority in the church. They claimed not only the

right of private judgment, but that of publicly urging their views upon the

church. In view of this, Paul called the attention of the Thessalonians to

the respect and' deference due to those who had been chosen to occupy posi-

tions of authority in the church."—The

Acts of the Apostles,

pages 261, 262.

13.

How and for what were they to hold these leaders in esteem?

Verse 13, first part.

NOTE.—"Christian

ministers, who preach the whole truth, and labor in

the word and doctrine, are entitled to more than respect; the apostle com-

mands them to be esteemed, abundantly, and superabundantly; and this is

to be done in love."—Adam Clarke,

Commentary.

14.

What condition was to be maintained among the members?

Verse 13, last part.

Lesson 8, for November 24, 1945

Preparing to Meet the Lord

MEMORY VERSE: "The very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray

God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of

our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thess. 5:23.

STUDY HELP: "The Acts of the Apostles," pages 263, 264.

An Exhortation to Godliness .

1. How did the apostle point out the duty of the church toward

various elements in their midst? 1 Thess. 5:14.

What attitude should the Christian take when ill-treated?

Among how many should this spirit be shown? 1 Thess. 5:15.

NOTE.—Said Christ: "Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an

eye, and a tooth for a tooth: but I say unto you, That ye resist not evil."

Matt. 5:38, 39. See also Exodus 21:23-25. So, too, the apostle sought not only

to preach the principles of the kingdom of Christ, but to live them. His ex-

periences through suffering in Jerusalem, in Asia Minor, in Macedonia, in

Greece, and in Rome brought out no spirit of retaliation. As he had seen

Stephen stoned and heard his triumphant cry, "Lord, lay not this sin to their

charge," he had learned the spirit of the Lord, and in his afterlife be sought

to exemplify it.

What state of heart will characterize the Christian at all

times? 1 Thess. 5:16; Matt. 5:12

NorE.—The established Christian is ever joyful.

rejoices even in

tribulation, happy that he can suffer with his Lord.

In what exercise will he engage without ceasing? 1 Thess.

5:17.

NOTE.—"It is in the mount with God—the secret place of communion—

that we are to contemplate His glorious ideal for humanity. . . . While en-

gaged in our daily work, we should lift the soul to heaven in prayer. These

silent petitions rise like incense before the throne of grace; and the enemy

is baffled. The Christian whose heart is thus stayed upon God cannot be

overcome. No evil arts can destroy his peace. All the promises of God's word,

all the power of divine grace, all the resources of Jehovah, are pledged to

secure his deliverance."

"Ask, then; ask, and ye shall receive. Ask for humility, wisdom, courage,

increase of faith. To every sincere prayer an answer will

come."—Gospel

Workers,

pages 254, 258.

In every situation, what should the Christian do? Why?

Verse 18.

The Holy Spirit Must Work

What brief admonition concerning the Holy Spirit does the

apostle give? Verse 19; Eph. 4:30.

NOTE.—"The Spirit was to be given as a regenerating agent, and without

this the sacrifice of Christ would have been of no avail. . . . Sin could be re-

sisted and overcome only through the mighty agency of the Third Person

of the Godhead, who would come with no modified energy, but in the full-

ness of divine power. It is the Spirit that makes effectual what has been

wrought out by the world's Redeemer. It is by the Spirit that the heart is

made pure. Through the Spirit the believer becomes a partaker of the divine

nature. Christ has given His Spirit as a divine power to overcome all hereditary

and cultivated tendencies to evil, and to impress His own character upon His

church."—The

Desire of Ages,

page 671.

"The Spirit works upon man's heart, according to his desire and consent

implanting in him a new

nature."—Christ's Object Lessons,

page 411.

[18

]

"The heart that does not respond to divine agencies becomes hardened

until it is no longer susceptible to the influence of the Holy Spirit. Then it

is that the word is spoken, 'Cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?'

"—

Ibid.,

page 218.

What manifestation of the Spirit is not to be despised?

1 Thess. 5:20.

NOTE.—The gift of prophecy comes not only to foretell future events, but

also to interpret and make clear those things which are occurring about us,

and to prepare the church and the individual to meet the fiery trials of their

day. To no church since apostolic times has God given a clearer revelation

of His will than to the remnant church, "which keep- the commandments

of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ." Rev. 12:17. And "the testi-

mony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." Rev. 19:10. Richly blessed with

the prophetic gift, let the church today receive it and "despise not prophesy-

ings."

How are we to recognize and regard the good? 1 Thess. 5:21.

NoTE.—It is evident that the apostle is still speaking of "prophesyings."

Our Lord has told us that in these last days "there shall arise -false christs,

and false prophets." Matt. 24:24. Tragic as it might be to be deceived by one

of these, it may be equally tragic to turn away from the messages that God

sends through His chosen messengers. Any claimant to the prophetic gift

is to be tested or proved. He is to be accepted only if his teachings are in

harmony with the word of God and His sacred law, if they magnify Jesus

as the world's Redeemer and tend to build up His church. The same Greek

word translated in 1 Thessalonians 5:21 as "hold fast," is found in Revela-

tiOn 12:17, where, speaking of the remnant church, it is said that they

"have

the testimony of Jesus," which, in Revelation 19:10, is called "the spirit of

prophecy."

From what should every Christian disciple abstain? 1 Thess.

5:22.

NOTE.—We are to avoid even the appearance of sin. God would have

every word, every act of life, acceptable to Him and above reproach in the

sight of men. It should be said of the church as of old time concerning Dan-

iel: "We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it

against him concerning the law of his God." Dan. 6:5.

Final Prayer and Admonition

10.

For what did the apostle pray in behalf of the Thessalonians?

1 Thess. 5:23.

11.

Of what does he assure them? Verse 24.

12.

What would he have them do for him? Verse 25.

13.

What custom of the time were they to follow among them-

selves? Verse 26.

NorE.—In the Coptic, "greet all the brethren" is rendered, "greet one

another." This would appear more in harmony with the instruction given

elsewhere in Paul's epistles.

[ 19 ]

"The men and women [in the early church] were placed in separate parts

of the building where they met for worship ; and then, before receiving the

holy communion, the men kissed the men, and the women the women."—

Conybeare and Howson,

The Life and Epistles of the Apostle Paul,

note,

page 326.

14. What charge does the apostle give? What final salutation?

1 Thess.

5:27, 28.

Lesson 9,

for

December 1,

1945 .

Resting With Christ

MEMORY

VERSE: "Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God

would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His good-

ness, and the work of faith with power." 2 Thess.

1:11.

STUDY HELP:

"The Acts of the Apostles," pages 264-266.

The Salutation

With what greeting does the Second Epistle to the Thessa-

lonians open? 2 Thess. 1:1, 2.

How did Paul customarily address the brethren in the

churches to whom he wrote? Rom. 1:1, 7; 1 Cor. 1:1, 2.

Nom—Paul addressed the churches in Christ with a clear claim to

apostleship, a deep and unfeigned love for all the brethren, a definite and

abiding confidence in the working of God's Spirit in their hearts, and a prayer

expressing gratitude for what Christ had done for them and would do as His

grace was bestowed upon the church in preparation for service. It was "Paul,

called to be an apostle," "Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ," "Paul, a prisoner."

"Grace be unto you," "Grace, mercy, and peace," are frequent salutations of

desire expressed for their temporal and spiritual welfare. The apostle wrote

with an apparent familiarity with their lives in Christ, and a consuming desire

for their welfare that demonstrated his love for all his children in Christ and

his all-consuming longing for them to find Christ in His fullness.

God's Righteous judgment

What does the apostle say is proper for him to do in behalf

of the Thessalonians? 2 Thess. 1:3, first part.

What Christian grace had grown in them? What other grace

abounded in all? Verse 3, last part.

How were their patience and faith made manifest? Verse 4.

Of what was their patient suffering a manifest token? Of

what would they be counted worthy? Verse 5.

NorE.—Paul "expressed his confidence in their [the Thessalonian church)

integrity, and his gratitude that their faith was strong, and that their love

20 ]

abounded for one another, and for the cause of their Master. He told them

that he presented them to other churches as an example of the patient, per-

severing faith that bravely withstands persecution and tribulation; and he

carried their minds forward to the time of the second coming of Christ, when

the people of God shall rest from all their cares and perplexities."—The

Acts

of the Apostles,

page 264.

What recompense would God give to those who troubled the

church? 2 Thess. 1:6.

Nom—Those who bring persecution upon the people of God must face

the certainty of that tribulation which God will surely bring upon an unre-

pentant world. Christ said: "Shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry

day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them? I tell you that He

will avenge them speedily." Luke 18:7, 8. None can oppress or persecute

God's own without suffering the penalty of His oppressions. How carefully

then ought every member of the church to pattern his life after the love and

mercy shown by the Master.

God's Power Manifested

To what event is the troubled child of God to look for de-

liverance? 2 Thess. 1:7.

On what two classes of God's enemies will He then take

vengeance? Verse 8.

10.

What will be the form of their punishment? Verse 9.

11.

In whom will Christ then be glorified? In whom admired?

Verse 10.

Desire and Commendation

12.

Of what did Paul pray that they might be counted worthy?

Verse 11, first part.

13.

What did he desire to see fulfilled to them? Verse 11, last part.

NOTE.—God counts him worthy of being called in Christ who shows a

willing submission of his life to the molding influences of the Holy Spirit.

When Christ comes and dwells in the heart by faith, controlling, guiding,

influencing every word and act, this is the beginning of the life eternal. When

His Holy Word is our daily food, when its influence makes evident that we

practice its principles, we are even now eating of the leaves of the tree of life.

The "bread of life" as become a reality. We no longer "live by bread alone,

but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."

14.

What did he desire for them in Jesus? According to what?

Verse 12.

THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING

December 29

SOUTH AMERICAN DIVISION

[21]

Lesson 10, for December 8, 1945

The Mystery of Iniquity

MEMORY VERSE: "The mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who

now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way." 2 Thess. 2 :7.

STUDY HELP: "The Great Controversy," pages 355, 356, 443, 444, 49-60

(new edition, pages 407, 408, 506, 507, 55-67).

Words of Warning

By what does the apostle beseech the church of God? 2 Thess.

2:1.

Concerning what particular hope does he warn against de-

ception? Verse 2.

NOTE.—"When

the Thessalonian Church received erroneous views con-

cerning the coming of Christ, the apostle Paul counseled them to test their

hopes and anticipations carefully by the word of God. He -cited them to

prophecies revealing the events to take place before Christ should come, and

showed that they had no ground to expect Him in their day. 'Let no man

deceive you by any means,' are his words of warning. Should they indulge

expectations that were not sanctioned by the Scriptures, they would be led

to a mistaken course of action; disappointment would expose them to the

derision of unbelievers, and they would be in danger of yielding to discour-

agement, and would be tempted to doubt the truths essential for their salva-

tion. The apostle's admonition to the Thessalonians contains an important

lesson for those who live in the last days. Many Adventists have felt that un-

less they could fix their faith upon a definite time for the Lord's coming,

they could not be zealous and diligent in the work of preparation. But as

their hopes are again and again excited, only to be destroyed, their faith

receives such a shock that it becomes well-nigh impossible for them to be

impressed by the great truths of prophecy."—The

Great Controversy,

pages

456, 457.

The Man of Sin

Before the day of Christ's coming, what must take place?

Verse 3, first part.

Who would

revealed before Christ's appearing? Verse 3,

last part.

What would the man of sin do? Whose place would he at-

tempt to usurp? Verse 4.

NorE.—"The apostle Paul warned the church not to look for the coming

of Christ in his day. 'That day shall not come,' he says, 'except there come a

falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed.' Not till after the great

apostasy, and the long period of the reign of the 'man of sin,' can we look for

the advent of our Lord. The 'man of sin,' which is also styled the 'mystery of

iniquity,' the 'son of perdition,' and 'that wicked,' represents the papacy,

which, as foretold in prophecy, was to maintain its supremacy for 1260 years.

This period ended in 1798. The coming of Christ could not take place before

(

]

that time. Paul covers with his caution the whole of the Christian dispensa-

tion down to the year 1798. It is this side of that time that the message of

Christ's second coming is to be proclaimed."—The

Great Controversy,

page 356.

What had Paul told the Thessalonians while he was yet

with them? 2 Thess. 2:5.

As a result of Paul's oral instruction, what did the members

of the Thessalonian church know? Verse 6.

Nora.—Without a doubt, the apostle's oral instruction regarding the future

events referred to had been based upon the prophecies of Daniel. The

"man of sin," says Paul, should be revealed "in his time." He assured them

that there was

restraining power that would hold in check the forces of

evil, that they should not accomplish their ends prematurely. The time for

the rise of this power had been clearly set forth by the prophet Daniel. Not

until that world empire should be divided into ten kingdoms, and not until

three of these had been removed before it, could that power represented

by the little horn of Daniel 7:24, be seated upon the throne of universal

civil and religious rule. The Christians of the early centuries knew of these

prophecies, and they used to pray for the continuance of the Roman Empire,

because they dreaded the appearance of the antichrist, who would arise after

its division.

It is also true that behind the external power of civil governments there

is ever the divine power that restrains the working of the forces of evil. And

there were the restraining influences of the word of God and of His Spirit that

held back the development of the "falling away" or the apostasy in the

church. Not until the time should come when, by resisting the Holy Spirit

and setting aside the word of God, His own church would refuse to be guided

by Him, could the apostate power so exalt itself as to sit in the seat of God. •

How does the apostle more specifically portray the restraint

of the workings of the enemy until the appointed time? What would

eventually be done to this hindering power? 2 Thess. 2:7.

With the removal of the restraining power, who should be

revealed? What should be done with him? Verse 8.

NorE.—This verse clearly introduces the portrayal of final events that

take place in dose connection with the second coming of Christ. After pro-

bation has closed, "when the restraining Spirit of God shall be wholly with-

drawn from the wicked, no longer to hold in check the outburst of human

passion and satanic wrath," the inhabitants of earth will see "as never before,

the results of Satan's rule."—The

Great Controversy,

page 37.

"As the crowning act in the great drama of deception, Satan himself will

personate Christ. . . . In different parts of the earth, Satan will manifest

himself among men as a

majestic

being of dazzling brightness, resembling

the description of the Son of God given by John in the Revelation. The

glory that surrounds him is unsurpassed by anything that mortal eyes have

yet beheld. The shout of triumph rings out upon the air, 'Christ has come!

Christ has come!' . . . Only those who have been diligent students of the

Scriptures, and who have received the love of the truth, will be shielded

from" the powerful delusion that takes the world captive."—The

Great Con-

troversy,

pages 624, 625. (Study context.)

10.

What is further said of the unprecedented deceptive working

of the forces of evil led by Satan at this time? 2 Thess. 2:9.

11.

Who would be especially deceived by Satan's signs and won-

ders? Verse 10, first part.

12.

Why had these individuals been easy prey to the deceptions

of Satan? Verse 10, last part.

NoTE.—The apostle in the latter part of verse 10 states a truth that is

vital to Christian living. Those only are deceived by the miracle-working

power and sophistries of Satan who "received not the

love of the truth."

is one thing to have a form of godliness; it is quite another to have a "love

of the truth" born in the heart that will bind one to God and give such a

desire to know the Lord as will cause him to follow on to know his Saviour's

love until he is "filled with all the fullness of God." Eph. 3:19. Those who

so love truth will not be led astray by "cunningly devised fables."

13.

Why did God send them a strong delusion? 2 Thess. 2:11.

14.

What cause is given for their lack of belief? Verse 12.

NoTE.—Again the apostle emphasizes an attitude that obtains in the lives

of many who profess a love for, and adherence to, truth. They "believed not

the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness." The two cannot be united.

One cannot truly believe and have pleasure in those things that are un-

righteous. A love of pleasure in the Christian leads to "a form of godliness"

but denies "the power thereof." There can be but one end of that road—re-

jection by the Lord and eternal death.

Lesson 11,

for

December 15, 1945

Comfort and Admonition

MEMORY VERSE: "Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord

may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you." 2 Thess. 3:1.

STUDY HELP: "The Acts of the Apostles," pages 266-268.

Standing Fast in Christ

For what does the apostle feel bound to give thanks? 2 Thess.

2:13.

What were the Thessalonians to obtain through their call by

the gospel? Verse 14.

NOTE.—"Both

the redeemed and the unfallen beings will find in the cross

of Christ their science and their song. It will be seen that the glory shining

in the face of Jesus is the glory of self-sacrificing love. In the light from

Calvary it will be seen that the law of self-renouncing love is the law of life

[ Z4 1

for earth and heaven; that the love which `seeketh not her own' has its

source in the heart of God; and that in the meek and lowly One is manifested

the character of Him who dwelleth in the light which no man can approach

unto."—The

Desire of Ages,

page 20.

In view of these assurances, what should believers do? To

what are they to hold? 2 Thess. 2:15.

What had their loving Saviour given to the church? Verse 16.

What results did the apostle expect in their lives? Verse 17.

NorE.—God's gifts to His children are intended for a definite purpose

and work in human hearts and lives—that they may be stablished "in every

good word and work." God does not give that His gifts may be wasted

or consumed upon ourselves, but that we may serve. "As He is so are we in

this world." 1 John 4:17. He came "to seek and to save that which was lost."

Luke 19:10.

Final Admonitions

For what did Paul especially ask the prayers of the Thessa-

lonian church? 2 Thess. 3:1.

NoTE.—Notice the humility of the apostle. He acknowledges the presence

of the word of God in the lives of the Thessalonian Church, and asks their

prayers that the same word may have free course and be glorified in their

ministry.

From whom did he wish to be delivered? Why? Verse 2.

What witness does he bear to the Lord? Verse 3.

In what did he have confidence concerning the believers?

Verse 4.

10.

How does this touching confidence in them parallel Christ's

attitude toward His disciples? John 17:9-11.

NorE.—The Saviour's love for, and confidence in, His disciples is touch-

ingly portrayed in His prayer as recorded in John 17. Knowing their human

weaknesses, He could say, "None of them is lost, but the son of perdition"

(verse 12), referring to Judas who betrayed Him. "For their sakes I sanctify

Myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth." Verse 19. Again

He prays: "I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be made perfect in

one." Verse 23. His love for His disciples was deep enough to lead Him to

Calvary in their behalf. Their love for Him developed into a sacrificial

service for their Master which led them to endure hardship, trial, and per-

secution, and to die as martyrs for the Saviour whom they loved more than

life itself.

11.

Into what Christian graces did he desire the Lord to direct

their hearts? 2 Thess. 3:5.

NoTE.—How inclined the church has ever been to be impatient over the

delayed return of our Lord We long for Him to come. Our souls groan

within us as we see the evils growing in the world, and yet He delays His

appearing. We are not ready! The world is not ready! The gospel of the

253

kingdom has not been preached in

all

the world for a witness to

all

nations!

We are nearing that desired goal, but the work is not complete.

"Had the purpose of God been carried out by His people in giving to the

world the message of mercy, Christ would, ere this, have come to the earth,

and the saints would have received their welcome into the city of God."—

Testimonies,

vol. 6, p. 450.

"Christ is waiting with longing desire for the manifestation of Himself

in His church. When the character of Christ shall be perfectly reproduced

in His people, then He will come to claim them as His own.

"It is the privilege of every Christian, not only to look for, but to hasten

the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Were all who profess His name bearing

fruit to His glory, how quickly the whole world would be sown with the

seed of the gospel. Quickly the last great harvest would be ripened, and

Christ would come to gather the precious

grain."—Christ's Object Lessons,

page 69.

Lesson 12, for December 22, 1945

Warning and Encouragement

MEMORY VERSE: "The Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and

into the patient waiting for Christ." 2 Thess. 3:5.

STUDY HELP: "Gospel Workers," pages 234-238.

Warning Against Disorderliness

What command does the apostle give concerning association

with disorderly church members? 2 Thess. 3:6.

NOTE.

—

This

is the word of the Lord, and the church which fails to heed

it will suffer. It is also worth while to study what it does not mean. It does

not mean ill-treatment of the person, nor arbitrary action in his absence, nor

voting him out of the church without labor with him, nor leaving our re-

sponsibility of his soul to others, nor sympathizing with him in his wrong

when someone has faithfully admonished him. It does not mean that any

un-Christlike course should be pursued toward him. It does not mean that

we should hold with him in the wrong, but rather that we should labor to

show him the wrong. The whole intent of the labor should not be to please

ourselves, but to please God by the conversion of the wrongdoer, if possible.

Read Matthew 18:15-17; Romans 14; Galatians 6:1, 2; James 5:19, 20. After

all gospel means are exhausted, then, for the sake of Christ's cause, take the

ultimate action of withdrawing from him, yet standing ever ready to help him.

What did each member know he should do? 2 Thess. 3:7,

first part.

What had been the attitude of the apostle and his helpers

while among them? Verse 7, last part.

How had their daily food been provided while in Thessa-

lonica? How arduously had they labored? Verse 8.

NorE.—"Work is a blessing, not a curse. A spirit of indolence destroys

[ 261

godliness, and grieves the Spirit of God. A stagnant pool is offensive, but a

pure, flowing stream spreads health and gladness over the land. Paul knew that

those who neglect physical work soon become enfeebled. He desired to teach

young ministers that by working with their hands, by bringing into exercise

their muscles and sinews, they would become strong to endure the toils and

privations that awaited them in the gospel

field."—Gospel Workers,

pages

236, 237.

What had been their purpose in such toil? 2 Thess. 3:9.

No Rewards Without Labor

In this matter, what command had they given the church?

Verse 10.

What had the apostle since heard concerning the conduct

of some of the membership? Verse 11.

NOTE.—"Busybodies,"

"disorderly"—such are the terms the apostle uses

concerning some who professed godliness. There can be no indolent Chris-

tian. When such individuals are found, either inside or outside the church,

they are usually "busybodies," who walk "disorderly." A true Christian is

diligent, loyal to Christ and to his fellow Christians, faithful in daily life

and service, seeking only to glorify his Lord. A Christian is never weary of

doing good, of living righteously.

What command does Paul give to those who thus walk?

Verse 12.

In what were the believers never to become weary? Verse 13.

10.

What course should they take with those who were disobe-

dient regarding the instruction given? For what purpose? Verse 14.

11.

What further caution does the apostle add concerning their

relationship to such as disobeyed? Verse 15.

Nora.—"Have no company with him," "yet count him not as an enemy."

This instruction is not always easy to carry out. The meaning, however, is

clear. While we are not to give the same fellowship to the disobedient as to

the loyal Christian, we are to admonish and counsel him, and to make it

our business to seek to redeem the lost one and reclaim him for Christ.

12.

What peace did Paul wish them to possess? Verse 16.

13.

How does he say he authenticates each epistle? Verse 17.

14.

What final benediction does he give to the Thessalonian

brethren? Verse 18.

The deeper we drink of the word, the more

we possess for blessing others.

(27]

NcrrE.—Paul's stay at Thessalonica was brief, yet there

were

gathered

into the church a goodly company of believers whose faith and devotion led

to his addressing these epistles to them. It is said in Acts 17:4 that some of

the Jews to whom he first preached Christ, believed and consorted with

(joined themselves to) Paul and Silas, together with a great multitude of

devout Greeks, "and of the chief women not a few." Paul's stay was shortened

by persecutions which arose. He was "sent away" by the brethren.

Following the dictation of this epistle, Paul affixes the salutation with

his own hand as evidence of his authorship. This prevented enemies of the

truth from circulating forged letters pretending to be his. Confusion had

already been brought into the churches because of this, as stated in 2 Thessa-

lonians 2:2.

Lesson 13, for December 29, 1945

Paul's Letter to Philemon

MEMORY VERSE: "If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as

myself. If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee aught, put that on mine account."

Philemon 17, 18.

STUDY HELP: "The Acts of the Apostles," pages 456-460.

Introductory Note

Paul's letter to Philemon is a personal epistle, not one of instruction to

the

church. He had brought to Christ an escaped slave who belonged

Philemon, one Onesimus, and returns him with this letter to his master. Yet

with a delicacy and tactfulness that was both a plea for the Christian kindness

of Philemon toward Onesimus and a claim on Paul's part of the debt Phile-

mon owed to the apostle for bringing to him the knowledge of Christ Jesus,

Paul sought the recognition by Philemon that one who had become a brother

in Christ was more than a slave.

Paul's Salutatory

How does Paul address Philemon and his household? Phile-

mon 1-3.

NarE.—By some, Philemon was thought to have been a member of the

church at Colosse, and born in that city. Other writers think that he was

from Ephesus. He was evidently a person of some importance in his city,

and a sincere and active member of the Christian church, which met in his

house.

For what does the apostle thank God concerning Philemon's

life and example? Verses 4, 5.

To what end did he desire Philemon's faith to become ef-

fectual? Verse 6.

What in the experience of Philemon had brought joy to Paul?

Verse 7.

[ 28 ]

NoTE.—The expression "bowels of the saints" is better understood in our

day as rendered in the Revised Version: "The hearts of the saints are refreshed

by thee." In Paul's day, the intestines, like the heart today, "were regarded

as the seat of the tender affections, especially kindness, benevolence, compas-

sion."—Pulpit

Commentary.